Sloan-Kettering - Why Memorial Sloan-Kettering for Colorectal Cancer: Our Approach


Dr. Philip Paty and Clinical Nurse Cheryl Barnes

At Memorial Sloan-Kettering, we bring the most advanced and comprehensive proven cancer care to each patient.

We do this by bringing together experts in highly specialized areas of cancer care to work as a team. This approach gives each patient the benefit of expertise that is unequaled in depth of experience and skill in treating colorectal cancer.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Our way of caring for patients is among the reasons why the colorectal disease management team at Memorial Sloan-Kettering is one of the best in the world. A team of experts representing many different disciplines meets weekly to discuss patients and their treatment plans.

The team includes:

Surgeons
Gastroenterologists
Medical oncologists
Radiation oncologists
Radiologists
Clinical geneticists
Nutritionists

These medical experts evaluate the patient based on their specific area of expertise, so the treatment plan reflects a sub-specialized yet comprehensive approach.

New Treatment Advances

Our Publications

Visit PubMed for our journal articles

Because each physician is also an investigator in his or her field, they are very familiar with the latest discoveries and research studies related to the care of colorectal cancer patients. They may suggest that a patient be offered the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial if they feel there is a good chance for an improved outcome. Our approach to care includes a team-wide discussion of new advances and studies that may be appropriate for some patients.

Focus on the Patient

Communication with patients and caregivers is an important priority at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. We believe that treating the whole person, not just the disease, is the best for patients and family members. At Memorial Sloan-Kettering, we offer a broad range of emotional support programs designed to help patients and family members cope with the range of issues related to life during and after cancer treatment.